Page 40 of Dear Mr. Brody

“Definitely not.” Mr. Brody nodded toward the classroom door. “We can talk more about this after you’ve thought it over.”

“It was nice to meet you,” I said, and managed to shake Wilder’s hand like a normal human being this time.

“Likewise.”

“Don’t forget, you have till Friday to turn in the assignment. Don’t rush it.” Mr. Brody gave me another one of his lopsided grins. “I want both drafts, Parker.”

I nodded and bit the corner of my lip, trying like hell not to smile when he’d said my name.

“Talk to you on Monday, Mr. Brody.”

Donovan

“You didn’t have to buy me dinner,” Wilder said as he pulled out a chair on the other side of the table. “I’m not opposed to bribes from most people, but I would’ve spoken to your class either way.”

“I appreciate it, this is my way of saying thank you. I hope Jax doesn’t mind.”

Wilder’s head lilted back as he laughed. “Jax is probably grateful to have a night to himself without me buzzing around making him crazy. Believe it or not, I’m a lot to handle.”

From what I’d heard from Anders, and from my own interactions with Wilder, I could understand how his strong personality might not be for everyone. He took a look around the restaurant, and I followed his gaze, taking in the wide-open floor plan. Steel beams and exposed brick created a minimalist atmosphere. The brewery opened a few weeks ago and had gotten rave reviews. With his overgrown shaggy hair, and trendy clothes, Wilder fit in with the young-looking crowd even though he was older than me. I, on the other hand, stood out like a sore thumb. In slacks and a button down, I was the most overdressed person in the place. As if the universe wanted to pour salt in my wound, a group of what looked like college-aged kids walked in the front door.

“I shouldn’t have picked a place so close to campus,” I said with a resigned exhale and lifted my menu.

“I think… yeah… isn’t that guy in your class?” Wilder asked and my stomach fell about three stories.

Marcos Basulto stood near the hostess stand chatting with the small group that had just walked in a minute ago. I did a quick sweep, looking for Parker, and a weird sensation hit my stomach when I realized he wasn’t there. I swallowed, assuming it was unease, dealing with students outside of the classroom wasn’t something I’d prepared for or wanted. When my gaze found its way back to Marcos, a slow smile spread across his face as he waved his polished fingers at me.

“Oh fuck,” I said, sinking a little lower in my chair. “Yeah, he’s in my class.”

“I think he’s coming over here.”

“Shit. What should I do?”

Wilder laughed and wrinkled his nose. “I don’t know… say hi? What’s the big deal?”

“Hey, Mr. B.” Marcos smiled down at me with pink-painted lips. “Small world.”

“Mr. Basulto, it’s… good to see you.”

“Don’t worry,” he said with a quick flourish of his hand. “I won’t hover, just had to stop by so I could brag to Parker that I saw you. He’ll be so disappointed.”

Heat crawled up my neck and pooled in my cheeks. “Ah…”

“I love your shoes,” Wilder cut in, saving me from the strained conversation. “Bella Lou?”

“The one and only.” Marcos took a step back, the awkward moment on pause as we all stared at his feet. He had on dangerous-looking green heels at least three-inches tall. I would’ve broken my neck trying to stand, let alone walk in those things. But Marcos jutted his hip, and pointed to his toe, his tight jeans and high heels accentuating his long legs. “I got them for fifty-percent off.”

“No shit? How?” Wilder asked.

“I work there.”

“You work at Bella Lou Boutique?” Wilder gawked at me, but I had no clue what the hell they were talking about. “I’m insanely jealous. I never go in because I can’t justify the price.”

“I thought you were like a famous, bestselling author?” Marcos asked.

“Not that famous.” Wilder grimaced. “But fifty-percent off, I can handle that.”

“Come in anytime.” Marcos glanced toward the front. “I’ll let you guys do your thing. Good to see you, Mr. B.”

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